14 DAY TRIAL // Olympus is well known around the world for their high-quality imaging solutions for healthcare as well as consumer electronics products.
In a recent press release, the Nippon manufacturer announced their partnership with Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C, for a new scientific and educational project titled Q?rius (pronounced “Curious”).
Q?rius is a 10,000-square-foot experimental environment where visitors are given the chance to work with actual research technology, including professional-level microscopes and other professional instruments, to investigate current research questions.
To support this project and make it a reality, Olympus donated more than 50 professional-level microscopes and imaging systems as well as multiple PCs, monitors, cameras and software, which will be used to examine thousands of fossils, bones and minerals as part of the ongoing scientific research process.
Associate Director for Public Engagement at the NMNH, Elizabeth Duggal said that “We are grateful to Olympus for their generous donation of software, accessories, manpower and high quality microscopes to Q?rius.”
“Through their support we are able to offer students the unique opportunity to examine collections using the same scientific instruments that Smithsonian researchers do every day. We’re fortunate to have a partner like Olympus who shares our vision of inspiring the next generation of scientists to become better stewards of our natural world,” she then added.
Q?rius also has its own website where teens, teachers or even families can discover the benefits of scientific research as well as the connections between our usual lives and the world as we know it.
Through the official Q?rius website, users will be able to create their own digital Field Book where they can record and save all their Q?rius discoveries.
Hidenao Tsuchiya, president of the Scientific Equipment Group for Olympus Corporation of the Americas, said “It is an honor to be part of the vital Q?rius program. We are proud to help members of the public participate in the scientific process in collaboration with The Smithsonian, and, through their experience, be inspired to support scientific research and to pursue careers in science.”
Q?rius is located on the ground floor of the museum at the north entrance on Constitution Avenue N.W. and opens its gates to the public today, December 12.